You are dying, but it gets worse. You must do it in a hospice bed surrounded by people going the same direction with the sights and smells of an institution. A reprieve is granted by visiting a PRA gifted to the province by a loving brother and sister. For a few hours you enjoy the sun, smell the fall harvest, and listen to life. You are still dying, but not for those few, precious hours.
Kay and Robert Wark’s Gift [1]
This PRA is a gift from brother and sister Kathleen (Kay) and Robert Wark. They purchased the land in the early 1980’s when it was being turned into a subdivision. It was close to a cottage their parents owned at Pigeon Lake. In August, 1984, the two chanced upon an outing of seniors enjoying the view of Pigeon Lake. From there, the two siblings decided the future of their newly acquired land: a place for the elderly, disabled, and terminally ill to visit and enjoy nature.
Fast forward 15-years and an agreement between the Warks, the Alberta Government, and a foundation realized their dream. Their gift has given hundreds of institutionalized patients the chance to enjoy nature – in many cases for the last time. An extraordinary gift.
Peaceful Valley Provincial Recreation Area and Day Lodge provides opportunities for organizations who serve seniors, persons with disabilities and the terminally ill in central Alberta to provide day trips for clients to a beautiful, serene location. Visitors are immersed in nature and can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Battle River Valley, multiple outdoor recreation options or simply relax in the comfort of the craftsmen style lodge. [2]
Robert Wark passed away in 2007 at age 82. His sister, Kay, died in 2005. Neither had children of their own but they did leave a legacy [3]. We must travel the same road; the Warks just made it a little easier.
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
The Fast Facts
- Winter Challenge Category: EASY-PEASY.
- Worth Visiting
- Washrooms, pit toilets.
- Kid Focused
Area Details
- Name/Owner: Provincial Recreational Area.
- Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 4/5:
- Wayne Gretzky Units: 78.5 KM
- Trail Classification: Rating: 100; Access: Granted; Develop: Fully Developed. ; Maint: Maintained; Season: All Season: 2 KM of wheelchair accessible trails in addition to tracks from the local community.
- The Drive Out: The name, Peaceful Valley, is well deserved. Consider taking RR 14 South from HWY 13 to enjoy the vistas. HWY 771 is also very nice.
- The Other Shoe: only walking.
- Frank’s Trip Notes
- First done: 2024-09-24. Weather: Warm and sunny with clear blue skies and light winds.
(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)
A gaggle of seniors exit their bus for a day at the site, John, one of the volunteers seen against the building on the left, Peaceful Valley PRA, 2024-09-24, P. Potter. 
Entrance to the PRA, Peaceful Valley PRA, 2024-09-24, P. Potter. 
An abandoned farmstead, just north of the Battle River off Hwy. 771 and north of TWP 455A, 2024-09-24, P. Potter. 
TWP 455A, west of RR 14 – a gorgeous archway ceiling drive, 2024-09-24, P. Potter. 
Looking east from RR 14 as it crosses the Battle River, 2024-09-24, P. Potter.
Notes and Reference
- The Story of Peaceful Valley.
- Peaceful Valley Day Lodge | PRA
- Robert Wark | Obituary and Kathleen Wark Obituary
Further Reading
Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.
YEG Ville 